Chased by dogs (warning:Long Rant)

[coyote]

The stupidity of some people. We have a number of people who walk their untrained, not obedient dogs around the neighborhood without leashes. Last night on the way home I was in the zone. The ride felt so great. I was flying around the corner at the top of my block. A pit bull and a pack of Chihuahuas were rounding my corner from the other direction. I could for sure out run the Chihuahuas but the pit bull was fast. I'm a great advocate for stopping and giving the command to go home. But I was at a slant and the bleeping dog was only a few feet away. I commanded it to go home and I poured on the speed. Luckily it stopped. I parked my bike in my yard, pulled out the cell and dialed animal control while walking back up the block to get a better description of all the dogs. By this time the owner has rounded the corner. I go marching up there...keeping my distance. And yelling at her. The pit bull sets up to charge..I raise my arms and yell. It backs away. The lady just stands there while I'm yelling, and her dog tries a couple of more charges (I think it liked the game). I stomp away, finishing my call to animal control. It wasn't until a lot later that I realized that the lady probably did not speak any english and probably did not see her dogs race after me.

Then to top it all off, the sheppard from across the street decided to come out and see what is going on. He and I are not on friendly terms since he chased me but I did talk nicely and firmly to him and told him to go home. He listened.

That lady probably thinks I'm a nut job as do a couple of my neighbors.

This town really needs to do something about the lose dogs. I'm not sure why there is not better education and some law enforcement.

The next time I see that dog pack, I will try to find out where they live and report them to animal control. I don't know what to do about my neighbor. I really don't like being the mean person on the block but jeez come on....meet me half way at least.

[mimitabby]

so what happened with animal control?

[coyote]

I don't know. It takes them hours to respond and I have to assume that since I could not give them address that they did not find the lady and her dogs. Its a 'leave a message at the sound of the beep' operation.

[Zen]

Follow up on it. Surely there is a live person there during business hours.

A pack of chihuahuas?

[bruiser]

A pack of chihuahuas?

My mom has a chihuahua and I swear it's the scariest dog I have ever met. He growls and even bites if you get anywhere near it Honestly, I can't stand that little runt. She thinks he has "and endearing personality"; I call it bad behavior and no training.

I know I would stay faaaaaaaaaaar away from a pack of chihuahuas


~V

[bacarver]

What a frustrating situation. Dogs can take you down and cause you to suffer injuries that take months to heal and many dollars to pay for.
You have to protect yourself. Talk to people. Know your local laws. Collect phone numbers. Record information.
Some of my most enjoyable bike rides have been interrupted by pesty dogs that chase and get close to my wheels.
Two summers ago, I spoke with a woman about her Rottie that chased me and scared me. She said that the dog had also been chasing motorcycles and she'd had enough of it. She said that she would shoot the dog and she DID!! Drastic, but end of problem.
I am involved in the local Humane Society and Animal Shelter. I get frustrated because I still see pit bulls in our county. People ignore the laws if laws regarding dogs even exist around here.
There must be communities that support bicyclists' rights to be free of chasing/attacking dogs. Sure wish they could influence the rest so we could ride without fear.
Stay safe.
Barb

[NMRider]

I understand that Chihuahuas are by nature the most aggressive dogs that there are. But the big ones are more worrisome.

I cycle in southern NM, and the rural areas are full of people who think nothing of allowing their dogs to roam (and spaying or neutering? fuhgettaboutit). They either don't get it or don't care. Many of these dogs are or become half wild, and in the border area with Texas there is actually a problem with roaming packs of dogs.

Not sure how it is in Pima (I think that's where Tucson is), but out in the county (Dona Ana) where I ride, there are 7 animal control officers to cover 3,300 square miles. Not a typo. If you make a call here, the officer could easily be 50 miles away. In most places, animal control is way underpaid (here it's under $10/hr to start) and understaffed (no, I'm not an AC officer. I just know what they deal with).

It's sad for the dogs and dangerous for the cyclists.

[li10up]

It's my opinion that small dogs are a bigger threat to cause a crash. I think it has to do with many of them not being disciplined because they are "so cute." They will run in front of you without thinking twice. The bigger dogs are more of a threat when it comes to biting - they can cause a lot more damage. Pick your poison.